How to Use Cursor AI for Free [VS Code + Cline] [2025]

Are you looking to enhance your coding experience with AI but don’t want to pay for Cursor AI? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how to transform your Visual Studio Code into a powerful AI-powered code editor using Cline (formerly Claude Dev) – completely free of charge! 🚀

What is Cursor AI?

Cursor AI is a popular AI-enhanced code editor that offers features like code completion and AI chat assistance. However, these features can be replicated in VS Code using free alternatives.

Key Features We’ll Replicate

1. Tab Auto-Completion: You can get this from github copilot for free
2. AI Chat Interface: Interactive coding assistance and problem-solving
3. Context-Aware Code Understanding: AI that understands your codebase

Method 1: Using Google Gemini

The easiest way to get started is by using Google’s Gemini models:

1. Install the Cline extension in VS Code
2. Configure Gemini API (Get your API key from Google AI Studio)
3. Select from multiple available Gemini models
4. Take advantage of free tier limits by switching between models

Pro Tip: Use experimental models for higher rate limits!

Method 2: Local Models with Ollama

For users with powerful hardware:

• Perfect for high-end PCs or Macs with good GPUs
• Run open-source models locally
• No rate limits or internet dependency
• Access to models like Deepseek and others

Method 3: GitHub Copilot Integration

Leverage GitHub Copilot’s capabilities:

1. Install GitHub Copilot and Copilot Chat extensions
2. Configure VS Code LLM API in Cline
3. Access powerful models like GPT-4 and GPT-3.5
4. Enjoy unlimited access within the free plan

Getting Started with Cline

1. Install Cline extension in VS Code
2. Access the Cline tab in your sidebar
3. Configure your preferred AI provider:
   • Google APIs
   • Ollama
   • VS Code LLM API
4. Enable features in settings:
   • Plan Mode for project planning
   • Auto-Approval for seamless operation
   • Model selection based on your needs

Additional Resources

• How to Get GitHub Copilot for Free
• Google Gemini API Documentation
• Gemini API Rate Limits

Conclusion

With Cline and the methods outlined above, you can transform your VS Code into a powerful AI-assisted development environment without spending a dime. The combination of Google Gemini, local models, and GitHub Copilot integration provides a robust alternative to paid solutions like Cursor AI.

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